Modular tube and table retrofitable to a wheelchair

ABSTRACT

A tabletop which is effectively easily retrofitable onto a wheelchair without any drilling or welding. The design can support an electronic device for computer-assisted living or simply provide a worksurface for reading or eating. The tabletop assembly is stabilized by an adjustable support structure. A mounting clamp may be provided to mount to the frame of the wheelchair, or a welded mounting tube can be provided which attaches onto the wheelchair footrest. The tabletop can be used in tandem with an optional horizontal panel which is mounted over the tabletop and top-hat brackets to support items such as an electronic device or a beverage. Alternatively, the tabletop can include a control panel which includes, for example, one or more pushbuttons, joy sticks and/or trackballs.

RELATED APPLICATION (PRIORITY CLAIM)

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 60/600,853, which was filed on Aug. 12, 2004, and which is herebyincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a device which attaches to a wheelchairfootrest and an adjustable table which can hold an electronic orcomputer device and can also serve as a work surface.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Currently, due to space limitations, a typical hospital room does notinclude a computer which can be used by the patient. Instead of beingable to browse the internet, send and receive e-mails, or play computergames, a patient is left to do things such as read a newspaper or watchtelevision to cure boredom. In some locations, it is not even possibleto view a television due to a lack of space in a room.

Recent technologies have allowed computers to be manufactured in aunitary construction, whereby the computer's microprocessor, visualdisplay and associated hardware are combined into one compact unit. ThePersonal Data Assistant (PDA), notebook computer and tablet PC areexamples of products utilizing this space-saving technology.

One would think that these compact computer technologies could thereforebe used by wheelchair patients in hospitals. However, there is nopractical place for a patient to store a computerized device while beingmobile in a wheelchair.

Standard pull-up tables have been in use for years. Typically, a pull-uptable is comprised of an adjustable-height table supported by an uprightelement and mounted on a base with rolling castors. Such tables may alsohave a tilt function to allow the users to have a perpendicular view ofthe table surface while lying flat on their back.

While a pull-up table and other conventional table designs may besuitable for the particular purpose for which they serve, they are notportable enough for disabled or physically-challenged individuals whomust utilize a wheelchair. This is due to the limitations of having totransport a table along with the wheelchair.

Another problem with conventional and pull-up tables is that there is noway of robustly supporting a computer device. A computer simply placedonto the tabletop of a conventional table can easily fall from thetabletop, potentially damaging the computer and/or injuring the computeruser.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to tables and, morespecifically, it relates to a modular tube and table retrofitable to awheelchair. Such a device which secures an electronic or computer devicecan function as a device for personal training, entertainment,rehabilitation, etc. The table may also function as a dinner tray or adocument support for reading, etc. Such a modular table can be used bywheelchair individuals in schools, hotels, businesses, meeting rooms,homes, nursing homes, manufacturing environments, hospitals, etc. Themodular table in tandem with a computer device can providevideoconferencing, faxing, and/or general business access. The productcan allow users to listen to compact discs, view DVD movies, play games,check and send e-mail, and browse the internet from multiple viewingpositions. As with many computer devices, wireless connectivity alsoexists for connection to the Internet or communication within a businessenvironment (e.g., medical information tracking and billing). In doingso, the product can function as a portal of communication between theuser and the outside world from the confines of a hospital bed orwheelchair, or between the user and healthcare professional if specialneeds exist.

The design allows the wheelchair to be fully mobile during use of thetable. This invention provides the opportunity for an electronic displayor computer device to be positioned onto a wheelchair footrest thatmoves in unison with the wheelchair. The invention allows documents(either physically on the tabletop or existing digitally within thelow-profile electronic display or computer device) to be read andsigned. All of this can occur, while providing a fully-functionalcomputer device with enhanced communications and entertainmentcapabilities, as well as a comfortable, adjustable viewing angle for thecomputer user. When not in use with the computer, this modular table cannormally serve as an eating or reading table.

In these respects, a modular tube and table retrofitable to a wheelchairaccording to the present invention substantially departs from theconventional concepts and designs of the prior art, and in doing soprovides an apparatus developed for the purpose of computer-assistedliving, computer-assisted communication, rehabilitation, business and/orentertainment.

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types oftables now present in the prior art, the present invention provides anew modular tube and table retrofitable to a wheelchair in a design andconstruction wherein the same can be utilized for computer-assistedliving. The present invention provides a modular table that overcomesthe shortcomings of the prior art devices.

The general purpose of the present invention, which will be describedsubsequently in greater detail, is to provide a new modular table thathas many of the advantages of the tables mentioned heretofore and manynovel features that result in a new modular table that can attach to awheelchair which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, oreven implied by any prior art, either alone or in any combinationthereof.

The term “electronic device” in this document describes a tablet PC(either convertible or slate), portable laptop/notebook computer,Personal Data Assistant (PDA), gaming console, cellular phone, flatpanel television, flat panel monitor, a remote display, a flexibledisplay or other small-profile, microprocessor-controlled device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A specific embodiment of the present invention provides a table which issupported by an adjustable upright structure and a base tube whichsupports the upright structure. The base tube is easily retrofitable tothe footrest of most wheelchairs. More specifically, the tabletop of themodular table is comprised of aluminum, steel or plastic materials. Therigid tabletop surface is typically in a horizontal position, but can berotated fore and aft to meet the computer user's preference and comfort.The tabletop can also have “top-hat” brackets and contain a sheet ofthermoplastic material mounted above the top-hat bracket. The bentupright structure which supports the table is adjustable in height. Theupright structure can be physically locked to the tabletop assembly andmounts into the base tube. The base tube mounts to the footrest of awheelchair in a retrofitable fashion.

Common manufactured wheelchairs contain similar design methodologies tosupport the wheelchair footrests. The elements described in thisdocument utilize this standard footrest support means in a fashion notpreviously conceived to secure the modular tube and table to awheelchair. The novelty in the design also lies in its simple retrofitassembly—no welding is necessary to provide a robust mounting to thewheelchair.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of theinvention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited in its application to the details of construction and to thearrangements of the components set forth in the following description orillustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways.

It is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employedherein are for the purpose of the description and should not be regardedas limiting. Other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome obvious to the reader and it is intended that these objects andadvantages are within the scope of the present invention.

To the accomplishment of the above and related objects, this inventionmay be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings,attention being called to the fact, however, that the drawings areillustrative only, and that changes may be made in the specificconstruction illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various other objects, features and attendant advantages of the presentinvention will become fully appreciated as the same becomes betterunderstood when considered in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which like reference characters designate the same orsimilar parts throughout the several views, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment fully-assembled.

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the tabletop assembly.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the adjustable support assembly.

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the mounting tube.

FIG. 5 is an exploded isometric view of the preferred embodimentinstalled onto the footrest of a wheelchair.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment installed ontothe footrest of a wheelchair.

FIG. 7 is a close-up isometric view of the mounting tube and footrestassembled to a wheelchair.

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the mounting tube and footrest assembledto a wheelchair.

FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the preferred embodiment assembled to awheelchair

FIG. 10 is a rear isometric view of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an exploded isometric view of the preferred embodiment.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an IV support tube installed into themodular mounting tube.

FIG. 13 is an exploded isometric view of the alternative embodiment formounting the tabletop assembly.

FIG. 14 is an exploded isometric view of the upper support assembly.

FIG. 15 is an exploded isometric view of the lower support assembly.

FIG. 16 is an exploded isometric view of the standard inner mountingclamp assembled to the short clamping tube and the wheelchair frame.

FIG. 17 is an exploded isometric view of the standard outer mountingclamp assembled to the short clamping tube and lower support assembly.

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment for mountingthe tabletop assembly assembled to the wheelchair frame.

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment for mountingthe tabletop assembly assembled to the wheelchair.

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment for mountingthe tabletop assembly assembled to the wheelchair and oriented 180degrees.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the alternative embodiment for mounting thetabletop assembly assembled to the wheelchair and oriented 180 degrees.

FIG. 22 is an isometric view of the alternative embodiment for mountingthe tabletop assembly assembled to the wheelchair and oriented 270degrees.

FIG. 23 is a top view of the alternative embodiment for mounting thetabletop assembly assembled to the wheelchair and oriented 270 degrees.

FIG. 24 is an exploded isometric view of the optional control panel box.

FIG. 25 is an isometric view of the optional control panel box.

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of the optional control panel boxpositioned above the tabletop assembly.

FIG. 27 is an isometric view of the optional control panel box assembledinto the tabletop assembly.

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of the optional control panel box assembledinto the alternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly,which is assembled to the wheelchair frame.

FIG. 29 is an isometric view of the optional control panel box assembledinto the alternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly,subsequently assembled to the wheelchair.

FIG. 30 is a view of the optional control panel box assembled into thealternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly, subsequentlyassembled to the wheelchair for use with a corresponding gaming consoleand TV/monitor.

FIG. 31 is an isometric view of the thermal management embodiment withoptional top-hat brackets assembled into the tabletop assembly withcomputer above.

FIG. 32 illustrates another thermal management embodiment wherein a toppanel is provided, in order to protect an enclosed electronic device.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencedcharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, theattached figures illustrate the modular tube and table retrofitable to awheelchair.

The design is comprised of three main elements shown in FIGS. 1 thru 11:

1) tabletop assembly 1

2) adjustable support assembly 2

3) mounting tube 3

The preferred embodiment contains:

1) The tabletop assembly 1 depicted in FIG. 2 which is comprised of:

-   -   -   tabletop enclosure 4        -   “half-moon” mounting bracket 5        -   mounting bracket 6        -   optional top-hat brackets 7        -   optional top horizontal panel 8

The tabletop enclosure 4 is preferably made of metal or plastic, whicha) has recesses 24, b) a bottom panel 25 (for mounting items such as aportable computer, book, or food plate) and c) is contoured 26 at thefront and rear (to provide ergonomic support to the user).

The “half-moon” mounting bracket 5 is preferably made of metal orplastic, which has a) a bend at an angle 27, b) a flat surface 28 formounting to the bottom of the tabletop enclosure 4 c) a cutout at itscenter 29 for mounting to the tube 10 from the adjustable supportassembly 2, and d) holes 30 spaced evenly along an arc 30 to engage theretractable, spring-loaded plunger 11 from the adjustable supportassembly 2—for tilting the table.

The mounting bracket 6 is preferably made of metal or plastic that a)has bent or curved surfaces 31 (for mounting to the tube 10 from theadjustable support assembly 2) and b) flat surfaces 32 to mount to thebottom side of the bottom panel 25 from the tabletop enclosure 4.

A plurality of optional top-hat brackets 7 are preferably made of metalor plastic, which a) are bent at a plurality of angles 33, b) have aflat surface 34 to mount to the top of the bottom panel 25 from thetabletop enclosure 4, and c) contain holes at the top-surface 35 (tofacilitate airflow for cooling of electronic equipment).

The optional top horizontal panel 8 can be made of plastic, wood, rubberor thermoplastic elastomer which a) is flat, b) is of such size to fitwithin the recess of the tabletop enclosure 4, and c) has a circularcutout 36 for receiving a cup or other container which contains abeverage.

The items listed above can be attached to one another withpressure-sensitive adhesive (i.e. PSA), Velcro®, welds, screws, nuts,self-clinching screws, self-clinching nuts, double-sided tape, rivets,or with any known prior art mounting techniques.

2) The adjustable support assembly 2 depicted in FIGS. 3,10 and 11 whichis comprised of:

-   -   bent upright tube 9    -   horizontal tube 10    -   retractable, spring-loaded plunger 11    -   “leaf spring style” push-button 12    -   standard push-button 23

The adjustable support assembly 2, comprised of four main components, a)supports the underside of the tabletop assembly 1 and b) telescopesinside of the mounting tube 3 for vertical height adjustment.

The bent upright tube 9, preferably made of metal or plastic, a) is asection of rectangular, square or round tube, b) is generally verticalat the bottom 37, c) is bent at an acute angle upward 38 (to space thetabletop assembly 1 away from the wheelchair user for optimal comfort),d) contains threaded or thru holes 39 for mounting the retractable,spring-loaded plunger 11, and e) contains holes 40 for a “leaf springstyle” push-button 12 (or for use with a spring-loaded plunger—notshown).

The horizontal tube 10, preferably made of metal or plastic, a) is asection of rectangular, square or round tube, a) is positioned roughlyorthogonal to the bent upright tube 9, and b) contains a hole 41 for astandard push button 23 (or for use with a spring-loaded ballplunger—not shown).

A retractable, spring-loaded plunger 11, typically of metalconstruction, a) is threaded into a tapped hole 39 in the bent uprighttube 9, b) has a spring-loaded tip which engages into the holes 30 fromthe “half-moon” mounting bracket 5 when fully extended, and c) has aknob 100 for retracting the spring-loaded tip 42.

When the knob 100 from the retractable, spring-loaded plunger 11 ispulled, the tip of the plunger 42 dis-engages from the holes 30 in the“half-moon” mounting bracket 5, allowing the tabletop assembly 1 torotate about the horizontal tube 10. This provides the wheelchair usermultiple desired viewing, working, and reading angles.

The “leaf spring style” push-button 12 and the standard push button 23,of standard construction, are mounted inside of the adjustable supportassembly 2. The “leaf spring style” push-button 12 is located inside thebent upright tube 9 at the bottom 43 for retaining the bent upright tube9 inside of the mounting tube 3. The other standard push-button 23 islocated inside the horizontal tube 10 at the end 44 for retaining thetabletop assembly 1 onto the horizontal tube 10.

The “leaf spring style” push-button 12 inside of the bent upright tube 9has two buttons, one top 45 and one bottom 46, inside of the two holes40 from and aligned parallel to the axis of the bent upright tube 9. Ina default position, the bottom button 46 contacts one of the holes 50 inmounting tube 3 and, therefore, locks the bent upright tube 9 in place.Pushing the top button 45 inward causes the bottom button 46 to moveinward, since the two buttons 45,46 are connected via a leaf spring 47.Once the bottom button 46 is no longer retained inside a hole 50 of themounting tube 3, the bent upright tube 9 can move vertically and swivelabout the axis of the mounting tube 3.

The standard push-button 23 inside of the horizontal tube 10 has onebutton 101 inside of the hole 41 from the horizontal tube 10. In adefault position, the button 101 protrudes beyond the exterior surfaceof the horizontal tube 10. In this configuration, the protruding button101 prevents the mounting bracket 6 from sliding off of the horizontaltube 10, thereby securing the associated tabletop assembly 1. Pushingthe button 101 inward allows the mounting bracket 6 and associatedtabletop assembly 1 to slide off the horizontal tube 10, thus allowingthe product to be disassembled.

For aesthetic purposes, an endcap (not shown) may be inserted intoeither end 43,49 of the bent upright tube 9 or into the end 44 of thehorizontal tube 10.

3) The mounting tube 3 depicted in FIG. 4 which is comprised of:

-   -   vertical tube 13    -   top bracket 14    -   bottom horizontal bracket 15

The vertical tube 13, is preferably made of metal, a) is a section ofrectangular, square or round tube, and b) contains a plurality of holes50 to secure the bottom pin 46 from the “leaf spring style” push-button12 and the corresponding mated bent upright tube 9.

The top bracket 14, is preferably made of a metal plate, a) is bent atan angle 51 to clear the top 52 of the wheelchair footrest 18, b)contains a standard or countersunk clearance hole 53, and c) is welded54 to the vertical tube 13.

The bottom horizontal bracket 15, is preferably made of a metal plate,a) contains a clearance hole 55 for mounting to a wheelchair footrestpin 21 (shown in FIG. 7) and b) is welded 56 to the vertical tube 13.

Preferably, the three components of the mounting tube 3 listed above arewelded to one another at the manufacturing facility prior to customershipment. The length and orientation of the components are pre-definedfor each wheelchair footrest style. Because of the typical spacingbetween footrest mounting plates on various wheelchairs, the length ofthe vertical tube 13 would be modified to allow the product to functionwith the several industry-standard footrest designs.

4) Assembly of the new footrest sub-assembly 19 in FIGS. 5 and 6

The following items are required for the mounting tube 3 to be easilyassembled onto a standard wheelchair footrest 18:

-   -   footrest tube connector insert 16    -   screw or bolt fastener 17

The footrest tube connector insert 16 (of standard construction) isfirst installed into the end 57 of the standard ⅞″ outer diameter,hollow, round tube 58 from a wheelchair footrest 18. The second step isto position the mounting tube 3 into place such that the top bracket 14is flush to the footrest connector 16. Next, attach the bolt or screwfastener 17 (preferably with a flathead) through the hole 59 in the topbracket 14 to the footrest tube connector insert 16 already locatedinside the footrest tube.

5) Assembly of the new footrest sub-assembly 19 to wheelchair 20 inFIGS. 7 thru 9

The assembly of the footrest sub-assembly 19 to the wheelchair 20 ismade in two simple steps. The hole from the bottom horizontal bracket 15slides over the bottom footrest support pin 21 from the wheelchair 20.The top footrest support pin 22 from the wheelchair captivates the top52 of the footrest sub-assembly 19, subsequently rigidifying themounting tube 3 to the wheelchair.

Therefore, the tabletop assembly 1, adjustable support assembly 2, andmounting tube 3 described above can be retrofit by a customer to awheelchair 20 without drilling or welding. The customer can receivethese three components 1, 2, 3 individually-wrapped. The customer'sfirst step would be to sub-assemble the tabletop assembly 1 onto theadjustable support assembly 2. The second step would be to secure themounting tube 3 onto the wheelchair. The final assembly step would be toinstall the tabletop assembly 1 with attached adjustable supportassembly 2 into the mounting tube 3.

DESCRIPTION OF THERMAL MANAGEMENT EMBODIMENTS

Thermal management of a computer 140 is achieved by natural means ofconvection inherent in the table design. See FIG. 31. Efficient coolingof the device can therefore be achieved without any exterior forms ofpower. A typical electronic device is designed to draw its heat to thebottom of the unit. The bottom surface of a computer 140 can mountdirectly to the top 60 of the optional top-hat brackets 7. The tabletophas open recesses 24. Any heat that is generated by an electronic devicenaturally propagates between the top-hat brackets 7 and to the openrecesses 24 of the tabletop 1. The top-hat brackets 7 also containsholes 35 at the top surface to draw heat away from an electronic device.The top-hat brackets 7 and tabletop enclosure 1, if metal, also providea thermodynamic heat-sink to facilitate cooling of the electronics.

FIG. 32 illustrates another thermal management embodiment which is verysimilar to that which is shown in FIG. 31, except in FIG. 32, a toppanel 8 is included and covers the computer device 140. Preferably, thetop panel is made of a transparent plastic or glass and covers thecomputer device 140, thereby acting as a water-resistant ortamper-resistant surface which protects the enclosed electronic device140.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT FOR MODULAR TUBE AND LONG VERTICAL TUBERETROFITABLE TO A WHEELCHAIR TO SUPPORT AN INTRAVENOUS BAG

Mounting tube 3 can also be used to support a long vertical tube 61 foran intravenous (IV) bag to create a new embodiment, as shown in FIG. 12.In this embodiment, both the tabletop assembly 1 and upright supportassembly 2 are removed and replaced with a long vertical tube 61. Thevertical tube 61 contains a generally horizontal rod 62 at the top end63 as a means to support an IV bag.

EMBODIMENT DESCRIPTION CONCLUSION

The design depicted in this document is specifically geared to beretrofitable to most manufactured wheelchairs, but one skilled in theart can modify this design to work in other applications as well. Forexample, the mounting tube 3 can be retrofit onto a bed frame (forhospital or home usage), onto a table (for restaurant usage, etc.) oronto a seat (for usage at an airport/bus terminal, etc.).

Note that the design described in this document is meant to be mountedonto the footrest located on the left side of the wheelchair. Oneskilled in the art can easily modify this design to mount onto the rightside of the wheelchair as well.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles ofthe invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes willreadily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limitthe invention to the exact construction and operation shown anddescribed, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalentsmay be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

For example, while many of the components are described as being metalwith welds, it is possible to provide that the components are insteadmade of plastic. Additionally, different methods other than push buttonscan be used to facilitate connection of the adjustable support assembly2 to the tabletop assembly 1 and the mounting tube 3. Many, many othervariations are fully possible while staying within the scope of thepresent invention.

DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENT FOR MOUNTING THE TABLETOP ASSEMBLY

Turning now descriptively to the drawings, in which similar referencedcharacters denote similar elements throughout the several views, theattached figures illustrate an alternate means of mounting the tabletopassembly 110.

The design 110 is comprised of six main elements shown in FIGS. 13 thru23:

1) tabletop assembly 1

2) upper support assembly 64

3) lower support assembly 65

4) standard inner mounting clamp 66

5) short clamping tube 67

6) standard outer mounting clamp 79

The alternative embodiment for mounting the tabletop assembly 110contains:

1) The tabletop assembly 1, as previously described and depicted in FIG.2.

2) The upper support assembly 64, depicted in FIGS. 13 and 14, which iscomprised of:

-   -   short vertical tube 68    -   horizontal tube 69    -   retractable, spring-loaded plunger 11    -   tube collar 70    -   standard push-button 23

The upper support assembly 64, comprised of five main components, a)supports the underside of the tabletop assembly 1, b) telescopes insideof the lower support assembly 65 for vertical height adjustment and c)rotates inside of the lower support assembly 65 to allow the tabletopassembly 1 to be oriented away from the wheelchair. Rotating thetabletop assembly 1 away from the front of the wheelchair allows anindividual to enter and exit the wheelchair without difficulty—seeadditional FIGS. 20 to 23.

The short vertical tube 68, preferably made of metal, aluminum,fiberglass or plastic, a) is a section of rectangular, square or roundtube (as shown in FIG. 14), b) is generally vertical, c) contains a slot71 (or thru holes, not shown) for accepting the front tip 78 of aretractable, spring-loaded plunger 76 from the lower support assembly 65(see FIG. 15).

The horizontal tube 69, preferably made of metal, aluminum, fiberglassor plastic, a) is a section of rectangular, square or round tube, b) ispositioned roughly orthogonal to the short vertical tube 68, and c)contains a hole 72 for a standard push button 23, as depicted in FIG. 14(or for use with a spring-loaded ball plunger—not shown).

A retractable, spring-loaded plunger 11, typically of metalconstruction, a) is threaded into a tapped hole 95 in the short verticaltube 68, b) has a spring-loaded tip 42 which engages into the holes 30from the “half-moon” mounting bracket 5 from the tabletop assembly 1when fully extended, and c) has a knob 100 for retracting thespring-loaded tip 42. See FIGS. 13 and 14.

When the knob 100 from the retractable, spring-loaded plunger 11 ispulled, the spring-loaded plunger tip 42 disengages from the holes 30 inthe “half-moon” mounting bracket 5, allowing the tabletop assembly 1 torotate about the horizontal tube 69. This provides the wheelchair usermultiple desired viewing, working, and reading angles.

The tube collar 70, of standard constructon, as shown in FIG. 14,generally has a round shape with an inner hole 96 (circular inner holeshown, but can be other shapes based on the short vertical tube 68shape) which allows the short vertical tube 68 to mount into the tubecollar 70. The tube collar 70 also has a threaded hole 73 which allows aset screw 74 to tighten into it. After installation of the shortvertical tube 68 into the tube collar 70, the set screw 74 can betightened, thereby fastening the tube collar 70 onto the short verticaltube 68.

The standard push-button 23, of standard construction, is located insidethe horizontal tube 69 at the end 97 for retaining the tabletop assembly1 onto the horizontal tube 69.

The standard push-button 23 inside of the horizontal tube 69 has onebutton 101 inside of the hole 72 from the horizontal tube 69. In adefault position, the button 101 protrudes beyond the exterior surfaceof the horizontal tube 69. In this configuration, the protruding button101 prevents the mounting bracket 6 of the tabletop assembly 1 fromsliding off of the horizontal tube 69, thereby securing the associatedtabletop assembly 1. (See FIGS. 10 and 11 for detailed views of thetabletop assembly 1.) Pushing the button 101 inward allows the mountingbracket 6 and associated tabletop assembly 1 to slide off the horizontaltube 69, thus allowing the product to be disassembled.

3) The lower support assembly 65 depicted in FIGS. 13 and 15 iscomprised of:

-   -   bent tube 75    -   retractable, spring-loaded plunger 76

The bent tube 75, preferably made of metal, aluminum, fiberglass orplastic a) is a section of rectangular, square or round tube (shown), b)contains a roughly 30 degree bend and c) contains a hole 77 to mount theretractable, spring-loaded plunger 76. The retractable, spring-loadedplunger 76 can be attached to the bent tube 75 with welds, screws, nuts,self-clinching screws, self-clinching nuts, rivets, or with any knownprior art mounting techniques.

The following paragraph describes the use and movement of the uppersupport assembly 64 relative to the lower support assembly 65. The shortvertical tube 68 from the upper support assembly 64 is slid into the topend 92 of the bent tube 75 from the lower support assembly 65. The tubecollar 70 fastened to the short vertical tube 68 from the upper supportassembly 64 stops the upper support assembly 64 from dropping down intothe lower support assembly 65. The upper support assembly 64 andcorresponding tabletop assembly 1 can be raised or lowered relative tothe lower support assembly 65 by unscrewing the set screw 74, adjustingthe height of assemblies 1 and 64 accordingly, and tightening the setscrew 74. To rotate the upper support assembly 64 and correspondingtabletop assembly 1 around the stationary lower support assembly 65 (andaway from the corresponding wheelchair 20), simply pull the retractable,spring-loaded plunger 76 from the lower support assembly 65; doing sowill disengage the tip 78 of the spring-loaded plunger 76 from the slot71 found on the short vertical tube 68, which will allow the uppersupport assembly 64 and tabletop assembly 1 to freely rotate.

For aesthetic purposes, an endcap (not shown) may be inserted into thebottom end of the short vertical tube 68 or the distal end of thehorizontal tube 69.

4) The standard inner mounting clamp 66, of standard construction,depicted in FIGS. 13, 16 and 17, preferably made of metal or aluminum,is comprised of:

-   -   top clamp section 80    -   center clamp section 81    -   bottom clamp section 82    -   fasteners 83

The circular recesses 84 (can be square or rectangular, not shown,depending on the wheelchair frame 84 type) from the center clamp section81 and bottom clamp section 82 of the standard inner mounting clamp 66are positioned on either side of the wheelchair frame 85 and securedwith fasteners 83. (See FIG. 17 for assembled standard inner mountingclamp 66.)

5) The short clamping tube 67, depicted in FIGS. 13, 16 and 17 ispreferably made of metal, aluminum, fiberglass or plastic, and is ofsquare, rectangular or circular shape (depicted). The short clampingtube 67 attaches into the circular recesses 84 from the top clampsection 80 and the center clamp section 81 of the standard innermounting clamp 66. Once the fasteners 83 are secured through clearanceholes 98 in the top clamp section 80 and into threaded holes 86 in thecenter clamp section 81, the short clamping tube 67 is secured in placeto the the standard inner mounting clamp 66.

6) The standard outer mounting clamp 79, of standard construction,depicted in FIGS. 13 and 17, preferably made of metal or aluminum, is ofthe same design as the standard inner mounting clamp 66, and iscomprised of:

-   -   top clamp section 87    -   center clamp section 88    -   bottom clamp section 89    -   fasteners 90

The circular recesses 91 (can be square or rectangular, not shown,depending on the wheelchair frame 85 type) from the bottom clamp section89 and center clamp section 88 of the standard outer mounting clamp 79are positioned around the bent tube 75 from the lower support assembly65. Once the fasteners 90 are secured through clearance holes 93 in thebottom clamp section 89 and into threaded holes 94 in the center clampsection 88, the bent tube 75 (and corresponding lower support assembly65) is secured to the standard outer mounting clamp 79.

The tabletop assembly 1, upper support assembly 64, lower supportassembly 65, standard inner mounting clamp 66, standard outer mountingclamp 79, and short clamping tube 67 described above can be retrofit bya customer to a wheelchair 20 without drilling or welding. The customercan receive these six components 1, 64, 65, 66, 67 and 79individually-wrapped. The customer's first step would be to secure thestandard inner mounting clamp 66 onto the wheelchair frame 85. Thesecond step would be to secure the short clamping tube 67 into thestandard inner mounting clamp 66. The third step would be to secure thestandard outer mounting clamp 79 onto the short clamping tube 67. Thefourth step would be to install the bent tube 75 from the lower supportassembly 65 into the standard outer mounting clamp 79. Somewhere awayfrom the wheelchair, the tabletop assembly 1 would be assembled onto theupper support assembly 64. The final assembly step would be to installthe short vertical tube 68 from the upper support assembly 64 (which isalready attached to the tabletop assembly 1) into the lower supportassembly 65. Height adjustments of the tabletop 1 can be made twoways: 1) the set screw 74 from the tube collar 96 is loosened, whichallows the tube collar 96 to be re-positioned up or down along the shortvertical tube 68 from the upper support assembly 64 or 2) the fasteners90 from the standard outer mounting clamp 79 are loosened, which allowsthe bent tube 75 from the lower support assembly 65 to be re-positionedup or down within the standard outer mounting clamp 79.

Novel uses of the design 110 are depicted in FIGS. 19 to 23. If thewheelchair occupant desires to move the tabletop assembly 1 away fromthe front of the wheelchair 20, the occupant simply pulls a handle onthe retractable, spring-loaded plunger 76 and rotates the tabletopassembly 1 and attached upper support assembly 64 from the design 110away from the wheelchair 20. FIGS. 20 and 21 depict the tabletopassembly 1 and upper support assembly 64 rotated 180 degrees (relativeto the position shown in FIG. 19). FIGS. 22 and 23 depict the tabletopassembly 1 and upper support assembly 64 rotated nearly 270 degrees(relative to the position shown in FIG. 19) with the tabletop assembly 1oriented nearly vertical. In the 270-degree orientation, the outermostleft edge 130 of the tabletop assembly 1 only extends approximately 2inches (5.08 centimeters) beyond the left wheel 131 of the wheelchair20. The distance from the outermost left edge 130 of the tabletopassembly 1 to the outer most edge of the right wheel 132 of a typical 26inch (66.04 centimeter) wide wheelchair would therefore be approximately28 inches (71.12 centimeters)—as depicted in FIG. 23.

The two orientations (180-degree and 270-degree) of the tabletopassembly 1 and the upper support assembly 64 discussed above arepractical for: 1) a caretaker/nurse who wishes to perform a “lateraltransfer” or “pivot transfer” of a patient into or out of the wheelchairor 2) the wheelchair occupant to enter and exit the wheelchair usinghis/her own strength. In addition, the latter, compact, 270-degreeorientation provides a very practical use for a wheelchair occupant whomust travel from one room to another room in a home: the width of thewheelchair 20 with attached design 110 measures only approximately 28inches (71.12 centimeters), thus allowing the wheelchair 20 withattached design 110 to pass through a standard 29 inch (73.66centimeter) wide door frame opening. In FIG. 23, dimension A identifiesthe width of a standard wheelchair and is assumed to be 26 inches, anddimension B identifies the width increase associated with the attacheddesign 110 and is preferably only about two inches.

DESCRIPTION OF CONTROL PANEL BOX EMBODIMENT (WHICH REPLACES THE OPTIONALTOP HORIZONTAL PANEL)

In a separate embodiment, the optional top horizontal panel 8 can bereplaced with an optional control panel box 111, depicted in FIGS. 24 to30, which is comprised of:

-   -   top horizontal control panel 116    -   bottom horizontal control panel 127    -   support members 121    -   standard electronic pushbutton switch(es) 113    -   optional standard electro-mechanical joystick 114    -   optional standard electro-mechanical trackball 115    -   joystick and trackball fasteners (screws 119 and nuts 130)

The bottom horizontal control panel 127 made of plastic, metal, or woodwhich a) has a flat top, b) is solid or has a hollow core, c) is of suchsize to fit within the recesses 24 of the tabletop enclosure 4, and d)has multiple cutouts 112 for receiving electronic components such asstandard electronic pushbutton switches 113, a standardelectro-mechanical joystick 114, and e) an optional square orrectangular cutout 117 to contour around the standard electro-mechanicaltrackball 115.

A top horizontal control panel 116, made of plastic, metal or wood whicha) has a flat top, b) is solid or has a hollow core, c) is of such sizeto fit within the recesses 24 of the tabletop enclosure 4, d) hasmultiple cutouts 112 and e) an optional larger circular cutout 129 tocontour around the ball 128 from a standard electro-mechanical trackball115.

The top horizontal control panel 116 is positioned above the bottomhorizontal control panel 127. The top horizontal control panel 116 hasmultiple clearance holes 118 to receive screws 119 which mount throughholes 120 in the joystick 114 and trackball 115; the screws are securedto corresponding nuts 130 which mount from underneath the joystick 114and trackball 115.

The standard electronic pushbutton switches 113 are positioned into themultiple cutouts 112 of the top horizontal control panel 116 and bottomhorizontal control panel 127. The nuts 131 from the standard electronicpushbutton switches 113 are then fastened to the bottom of the standardelectronic pushbutton switches 113, thus securing the standardelectronic pushbutton switches 113 to the top horizontal control panel116 and bottom horizontal control panel 127.

Two support members 121, made of plastic, metal or wood are attached tothe bottom side of the top horizontal control panel 116 withpressure-sensitive adhesive, Velcro® (a.k.a. hook and loop), welds,screws, nuts, self-clinching screws, self-clinching nuts, double-sidedtape, rivets, or with any known prior art mounting techniques. Thesupport members 121 provide the space needed to keep theelectro-mechanical devices 113, 114 and 115 from touching the tabletopenclosure 4 from the tabletop assembly 1.

As depicted in FIGS. 26 and 27, the optional control panel box 111 isplaced into the tabletop enclosure 4 from the tabletop assembly 1 toform the assembly shown in FIG. 27. This assembly is subsequentlyattached to the alternate means of mounting the tabletop assembly 110,as depicted in FIG. 28. FIG. 29 depicts the optional control panel box111 assembled into the alternate means of mounting the tabletop assembly110, and subsequently attached to the wheelchair 20.

Note that the wiring/cables for the standard electronic pushbuttonswitches 113, standard electro-mechanical joystick 114 or standardelectro-mechanical trackball 115 which are typically attached at theunderside of each electro-mechanical device, are not shown in FIGS. 24to 29. The optional control panel box 111 can house wireless electronictransmitters or other electrical device internally to transfer the inputsignals from the standard electronic pushbutton switches 113, standardelectro-mechanical joystick 114 or standard electro-mechanical trackball115 to external electronics. Such a system can control electronicdevices on the wheelchair or remotely in the home.

One example of a practical application for the optional control panelbox 111 with corresponding hardware 113, 114 and 115 would be as anergonomic, easy-to-access, disability-friendly device to replace thetypically small, handheld control pads used on Xbox® orPlaystation®-type video game consoles. FIG. 30 depicts such anapplication, whereby a television/monitor 122 is connected to a gamingconsole 123 via a control cable 124 and the gaming console 123 isconnected to the optional control box 111 via a second control cable125. In this application, an additional hole 126 is required in thesupport member 121 from the optional control panel box 111 to allow thecontrol cable 125 to connect to the electronic 113 andelectro-mechanical devices 114, 115 in the control panel box 111. Whilea gaming console is specifically shown in FIG. 30, the control panel 111can be configured to communicate with another type of electronic device,such as a personal computer, a laptop computer, a tablet PC or any otherelectronic device.

1. A table for a wheelchair, said table comprising: means for mountingto a wheelchair; a tabletop; and support structure disposed between themounting means and the tabletop.
 2. A table as recited in claim 1,wherein the mounting means comprises a mounting tube configured to mountto a footrest of a wheelchair.
 3. A table as recited in claim 2, whereinthe mounting tube comprises a vertical tube configured to receive an endof the support structure.
 4. A table as recited in claim 3, wherein themounting tube further comprises a top bracket which extends from thevertical tube and is configured to clear a top of the footrest of thewheelchair.
 5. A table as recited in claim 4, wherein the mounting tubefurther comprises a horizontal bracket which extends from the verticaltube and is configured to mount to a pin of the footrest of thewheelchair.
 6. A table as recited in claim 1, wherein the tabletopcomprises an enclosure.
 7. A table as recited in claim 6, wherein theenclosure comprises a bottom panel and at least one contoured edge.
 8. Atable as recited in claim 6, wherein the enclosure comprises a bottompanel and edges having recesses formed therein, and wherein theenclosure further comprises a top panel which has edges which areconfigured to be received in the recesses, thereby supporting the toppanel relative to the bottom panel.
 9. A table as recited in claim 8,wherein the top panel has a circular cutout formed therein.
 10. A tableas recited in claim 8, further comprising brackets disposed between thetop and bottom panels.
 11. A table as recited in claim 10, wherein thebrackets which are disposed between the top and bottom panels have airholes formed therein.
 12. A table as recited in claim 1, furthercomprising a bracket disposed relative to the tabletop and the supportstructure such that a position of the tabletop is adjustable relative tothe support structure.
 13. A table as recited in claim 12, wherein thebracket which is disposed relative to the tabletop and the supportstructure such that a position of the tabletop is adjustable relative tothe support structure includes a plurality of holes which are configuredto receive corresponding structure on the support structure for securingthe position of the tabletop relative to the support structure.
 14. Atable as recited in claim 1, wherein the tabletop comprises a bottompanel, further comprising a bracket which is disposed under the bottompanel and which is configured to secure to the support structure.
 15. Atable as recited in claim 1, wherein the support structure is adjustablesuch that a height of the tabletop is adjustable.
 16. A table as recitedin claim 1, wherein the support structure is securable in the mountingmeans at different positions, such that a height of the tabletop isadjustable.
 17. A table as recited in claim 1, wherein the supportstructure is removable from the mounting means, and the mounting meansis configured to receive a vertical tube which is configured to supportan IV bag.
 18. A table as recited in claim 1, wherein the mounting meanscomprises a mounting clamp configured to secure to a frame of thewheelchair.
 19. A table as recited in claim 1, wherein the supportstructure comprises an upper support assembly and a lower supportassembly, wherein the upper support assembly is configured to supportthe tabletop, is configured to telescope relative to the lower supportassembly to facilitate height adjustment of the tabletop, and isconfigured to rotate relative to the lower support assembly such thatthe tabletop is orientateable away from the wheelchair.
 20. A table asrecited in claim 19, wherein the upper support assembly comprises avertical tube which is configured to interact with correspondingstructure on the lower support assembly to facilitate adjustment andsecurement of the vertical tube relative to the lower support assembly.21. A table as recited in claim 20, wherein the lower support assemblycomprises a tube and a plunger which is disposed on the tube and has atip, wherein the vertical tube includes at least one opening which isconfigured to receive the tip of the plunger.
 22. A table as recited inclaim 19, further comprising a tabletop assembly which comprises a paneland a mounting bracket disposed on the panel and configured to engagecorresponding structure on the upper support assembly for adjusting andsecuring a position of the panel.
 23. A table as recited in claim 19,further comprising an inner mounting clamp which is configured to mountto the frame of the wheelchair, an outer mounting clamp which isconfigured to clamp to the lower support structure, and structure whichis clamped by both the inner and outer mounting clamps such that theouter mounting clamp is spaced away from the inner mounting clamp.
 24. Atable as recited in claim 23, wherein both the inner and outer mountingclamps are comprised of a plurality of clamp sections held together byfasteners.
 25. A table as recited in claim 1, wherein the tabletopcomprises a control panel having at least one manually operablecomponent disposed thereon, said manually operable component comprisingat least one of a pushbutton, a joystick and a trackball.
 26. A table asrecited in claim 25, wherein the control panel is configured tocommunicate with an electronic device.
 27. A table as recited in claim1, wherein the tabletop comprises an enclosure having a bottom panel andedges having recesses formed therein, and wherein the enclosure furthercomprises a top panel which has edges which are configured to bereceived in the recesses, thereby supporting the top panel relative tothe bottom panel, wherein the top panel has at least one manuallyoperable component disposed thereon, said manually operable componentcomprising at least one of a pushbutton, a joystick and a trackball. 28.A tabletop assembly for a wheelchair, said tabletop assembly comprising:a bottom panel having edges and a top panel which is configured to beretained by the edges, thereby forming an enclosure.
 29. A tabletopassembly as recited in claim 28, wherein the top panel has a circularcutout formed therein.
 30. A tabletop assembly as recited in claim 28,further comprising brackets disposed between the top and bottom panels.31. A tabletop assembly as recited in claim 30, wherein the bracketswhich are disposed between the top and bottom panels have air holesformed therein.
 32. A tabletop assembly as recited in claim 28, furthercomprising a bracket which is engageable with corresponding supportstructure, wherein a position of the tabletop assembly is adjustablerelative to time support structure.
 33. A tabletop assembly as recitedin claim 32, wherein the bracket which is engageable with correspondingsupport structure includes a plurality of holes which are configured toreceive corresponding structure on the support structure for securingthe position of the tabletop assembly relative to the support structure.34. A tabletop assembly as recited in claim 28, further comprising abracket which is disposed under the bottom panel and which is configuredto secure to corresponding support structure.
 35. A tabletop assembly asrecited in claim 28, wherein the enclosure is configured to retain anelectronic device therein, wherein the top panel protects saidelectronic device.
 36. A tabletop assembly for a wheelchair, saidtabletop assembly comprising a panel having at least one raised edge; amounting bracket disposed on the panel and configured to engagecorresponding structure for adjusting a position of the panel; and amounting bracket disposed under the panel and configured to engagecorresponding structure for securing the panel.
 37. A tabletop assemblyas recited in claim 36, further comprising a top panel which isconfigured to be retained by edges of the bottom panel, thereby formingan enclosure.
 38. A tabletop assembly as recited in claim 36, furthercomprising brackets disposed between the top and bottom panels.
 39. Atabletop assembly as recited in claim 38, wherein the brackets which aredisposed between the top and bottom panels have air holes formedtherein.
 40. A tabletop assembly as recited in claim 36, wherein themounting bracket which is disposed on the panel and configured to engagecorresponding structure for adjusting a position of the panel includesan opening for receiving a tube and a plurality of holes which areconfigured to receive a pin which is associated with the tube.